5 Tips to Save Money

Good Morning & Happy Monday!

Thank you for visiting today! 

I'm still out in the country in Upstate New York, still on Linux dial-up (Oh, all the things to be grateful for!). I'm glad to have Internet, but I still need to keep the articles very simple while I'm here. 

Even so, I'll still post articles each Monday as promised. As soon as I'm able, however, I'll upload the PDFs for the articles I've posted.

Today's article is about saving money, with questions and activities to follow.

Thank you for visiting and have a great week!

5 TIPS TO SAVE MONEY

More people are looking for jobs, forced to retire or have taken pay cuts than ever before. At the same time, prices have gone up. Clothes, gas and even food costs more today than a year ago. This means that more people are trying to save money and cut costs than ever before. Here are 5 easy tips you can use to cut costs everyday.

1. Cheap Gas

Gas prices have gone up greatly in the past few years. Yet, you can still get good prices on gas! However, you will need to look around. Drive around your neighborhood to find a gas station with lower prices. Then, fill up first thing in the morning. You will get more gas for your money when you pump cold gas into a cold tank.

Also, remember that gas prices are always changing. Drive around every couple of months to make sure you are still getting a good price for your gas!

2. Make a List

Do you shop for food after work, when you are hungry? Most people do this. Yet, it's not a good idea. There are two ways to take care of this. First, eat a snack before you go grocery shopping. This way, you will find it easier to buy only what you need. Also, make a list! Make your list early in the day. Then check it again before you leave. Do this for any kind of shopping, be it groceries or clothes. Making a list will help you avoid impulse buying.

3. Compare Prices

Know the prices of things at your favorite stores. Choose items that cost less. Also, know which stores have lower prices. When you find a store with low prices and quality items, do your shopping there. Make sure you buy only what you need. Never buy something just because it is on sale!

4. Save on Phone Bills

Use Skype to make long-distance and video calls. This can save you hundreds of dollars each year on your telephone bill. If you and the other person both have Skype, then Skype calls are free! You must have high-speed Internet for Skype.

5. Use Your Library

It is true that the library contains free books, magazine and films. However most libraries have so much more. Many libraries have classes, talks and activities for children. Summer is a great time for fun activities at the library. Check out your local library to benefit this summer!

QUESTIONS

1. What is meant by “fill up”?

2. What are 2 ways to avoid spending too much at the store?

3. What is meant by “on sale”?

4. What are two ways to compare prices?

5. How is video calling different from a normal call?

6. What are the usual things one might find at the library?

7. What kinds of activities might a library have in summer?

ACTIVITIES

* Which tips did you find useful? Which tips did you find not useful?

* What are some tips that you would add to this list?

* People say that it is too much trouble to try and cut costs. Do you agree? Why or why not?

* Have you ever spent a lot of money without meaning to? Which store was it? What did you buy? What made you decide to spend the money?

* Many older people are being forced to retire, to make way for younger employees. Do you agree with this? Why or why not?

*People blame credit cards for their money problems. They say using a card makes you spend more. Do you agree? Why or why not?

* THINK & WRITE 

Advertisements are a major reason that people spend so much in stores. Therefore, the government should restrict the kind of advertisements that should be allowed. They should stop advertisements from being too persuasive.  Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

Thank you for visiting!

Faiza Raintree